Greetings from England!

Hiya, you alright?  Yes, I am in England.  Double decker buses, a variety of accents (posh and not so posh), more pubs than you can count...  Although I remember some things from when I was here five years ago, a lot of things have changed.  My first day I remember thinking, "they all really DO talk that way!"  I've gotten over jetlag quickly, but I can tell that it will take time to re-adjust to living and ministering here.  I cannot tell you how much it means to know that many people are praying for me.  I know that prayer - God working through prayer - is how I am able to keep going, even when it can be overwhelming.

My first couple days in England went quite fast!  I re-acquainted myself with the people round the base, and with Halesowen, the town where it is located.  I registered with a GP (doctor) and opened a bank account.  Some things are 'the same', while many things are different.  I arrived in England on August 18th, and then already on August 21st I travelled to Holland to volunteer at the OM GO Conference.  This is a conference to orient new recruits to OM and from here they are sent out to their various countries/areas of ministry.  I am at the conference right now, and will be working in the kitchen and at the information desk.  The recruits arrive tomorrow.

Well, it is supper time here, so I have to go.  I'll hopefully get the chance to write more soon.

In Christ our common bond,

Tami

At the airport in London

Typical British pub

'Good' bye?

We took some family pictures yesterday.  It was somewhat bittersweet.  I'm glad to spend time with family and get some people I love on film to take with me to England.  But it's sad too.  It is 9 days till I leave (I know the countdown to the right says otherwise, but I can't figure out how to fix it yet), and I'll miss my family and friends.  It's been hard lately to think of leaving, knowing all the things I'll miss out on.  I had my commissioning service at my church yesterday too, and I realized it was my last church service there for some time.  Said goodbye to a lot of people...people I've grown to love and appreciate.  I know that God has called me, and I would never back down from that, but still - how do you say goodbye?  Is it a 'good' bye?  Is it a see you later?  I don't know.  It feels like a bye that isn't so good and is for a long time.  I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, because it is a joy to follow God.  Following God always involves some sacrifices, and if you really think about it, are they truly sacrifices, or more like a greater surrendering?  Regardless, I will follow in obedience - hard or not.  Your prayers are much appreciated!!

The Fam!

Can't forget my Cody bear!

Pictures taken by my lovely friend Kaila!